History of NMMC

The NMMC was founded in 1984 by our Medical Director, Dr. Dennis Wood. Â In 1989 the Center received a grant from oil spill mitigation funds to promote construction of our current hospital and rehabilitation facility. Â The California Conservation Corps completed construction in 1992 and our facility includes a medical treatment room, harbor seal pup room, kitchen for food preparation, administration office, gift shop/information center, and nine outside pens for housing animals.

On an average year, the NMMC responds to several hundred reports of distressed animals along 200 miles of rugged, remote coastline. Â Typically, we admit between 30-60 animals to the Center annually.

We rely strongly on dedicated and caring volunteers to conduct all rescue activities, day-to-day animal care, and operate the gift shop. Â We also rely largely on revenue obtained through donations, membership, and gift shop sales to care for our patients here at the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center. Â Please consider purchasing a Meals-For-Seals certificate for $10, which will pay for one animalâ€™s feed and medications for a day.

If You Finda Stranded Seal or Sea Lion:

DO NOT TOUCH beached mammals. These animals are sometimes aggressive and can inflict severe bites.

Keep people and pets away.

Do not disturb or chase them into the water. Animals may simply be resting and may not need help.

Note the EXACT location, including landmarks, and CALL us at 707-465-MAML(6265).

Harbor Seal Pups on the beach are NOT Abandoned!! Their mothers are off feeding and will return. Please...Please...DO NOT go near them!!!